Lots of people ride scooters in urban and rural areas, partly because it’s fun and partly because it’s a cheap way to commute. However, there are disadvantages due to the fact that scooters are inconspicuous and bigger vehicles may not see them at important places such as intersections and red lights. Additionally, there are hazards like construction and demolition sites where debris frequently falls onto sidewalks and onto urban roads.
Also, from time to time, trucks shed all or part of their loads because they haven’t been secured well. If you or your scooter has been damaged by debris falling on you or your scooter, you may be entitled to file a damages claim against the person or organization responsible for the damage. You may need a personal injury attorney to help you pursue a successful damages claim.
Damages You May Incur Due to Fallen Debris
Depending on how heavy the debris is, this will affect any injury to you and to your scooter. Typically, you should be able to file a personal injury compensation claim that covers both the damage to your scooter and to yourself. Your scooter may be totally destroyed, or it may just have superficial scratches. As long as it’s put off the road for repairs you should be able to include the repair work in your PI claim. Similarly, if you have been injured and you need to seek hospital treatment, what you have paid for already and the value of any treatment into the future should also be included in your PI claim.
Determining Fault When Debris Fell onto Your Scooter and Damaged it
Determining fault in an accident is usually not easy, but trying to find useful evidence and prove who caused it may take some time to finalize. You will need to get eyewitness reports to show precisely how debris managed to damage your scooter and injure you. You will also require a comprehensive police report from the officer who attended the accident.
You need to get all this information together as soon as possible because in most states, a damages claim has a time limit set for filing. In some states, it’s as little as 2 months, while in others it may be as much as 3 years.
The company or individual found responsible for damaging your scooter and injuring you may not be willing to agree that it was their fault. You will need foolproof evidence before you will be able to file your claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help When Debris Fell onto Your Scooter
Once you have acquired all the necessary evidence, the best move to make is to talk to a personal injury attorney who can provide advice as to whether you will win a damages claim. If necessary, the attorney will collect any further evidence and compile a claim that has a reasonable chance of success. Taking on an at-fault driver’s insurer on your own rarely rewards you with a satisfactory settlement for an injury that was not your fault.
